Monday, July 30, 2007

Where Angels Fear to Tread.


Hi All,
Ever taken the kids to the toy aisle in your local mega supermarket? Did you get away without having to buy something to get away without embarrassment?!
Pastor John shares his insights from his own children with todays passage from Genesis about Abraham's talk with his Lord, where he pleads to prevent the destruction of Sodom to save his cousin Lot. What does God do in this situation?

Click to download and listen: Where Angels Fear to Tread.

Illawarra Lutheran Parish
29th July 2007
Pentecost 9


Prayer for the Day
Thank you, generous God, that you want to give us so much more than we even think of asking you. Keep us coming to you in prayer, knowing that you are waiting to answer. We ask this through your Son, Jesus Christ or Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

This Weeks Readings.
Genesis 18: 20-32
Colossians 2: 6-15
Luke 11: 1-13

Photo credit: 'Apocalypse' by Jerzy Müller, Piekary Slaskie, Silesia, Poland.

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Just Hanging Around....


Hello Again!
This week, Pastor John expands on the text from Luke, which tells the narrative between Mary, Martha and Jesus.

Are you too busy to stop and listen to what Jesus said? Take note of what Jesus said to Martha: "Martha, Martha! You are worried and troubled over so many things, but just one is needed. Mary has chosen the right thing, and it will not be taken away from her."

Stop: listen. Just hang around and let the words of the Gospel work deep inside you.

Click to download and listen: Just Hanging Around....

Illawarra Lutheran Parish
22nd July 2007
Pentecost 8


Prayer of the Day
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for coming from God and reconciling us to him. Teach us to listen to your words and treasure them more than anything else. For you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

This Weeks Readings
Genesis 18:1-10a
Colossians 1:15-28
Luke 10:38-42

Photo credit: 'Staring' by Christie Thomas, Edmonton, AB, Canada.

Thursday, July 19, 2007

A: Nothing!!


Hi All,
Do you know the right questions to ask God? This week, Pastor John uses the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) to answer the religious lawyers all-to-common question: What must we do to please God (i.e. : inherit eternal life)?

We hope you find your answer into that question!

Click to download and listen: A: Nothing!!

Illawarra Lutheran Parish
15th July 2007
Pentecost 7

Prayer of the Day
Thank you, merciful God, for showing your love for us by sending your Son to live among us and to suffer and die. Lead us to reflect this love to our neighbours by helping them in all their needs. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Photo credit: 'Silence' by Tory Byrne, United States.

Monday, July 09, 2007

Be What You Are.


Hi Everyone!
Can we get into God's presence by our good works? Some people think so, but then why would Christ have needed to die? Pastor John explains how self gets in the way of seeing Christ and what He has done for us. You can't fool God!!


Click to download and listen: Be What You Are.

Illawarra Lutheran Parish
8th July 2007
Pentecost 6


Prayer of the Day
Everliving God, all life flows from you. Fill us with your Spirit and lead us to do good to all people, whenever we can, especially to those who belong to the family of faith. We ask this through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Photo credit: 'Falling Water 3' by Carlos Gustavo Curado, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Monday, July 02, 2007

Transforming Tolerance.


Hi Everyone!
This week we held our family service, which centred around a DVD presentation. As such, there is no message from Pastor John this week, however, I've included a link to the Nooma website so you can view a clip from the movie.

View clip: Bullhorn.

Illawarra Lutheran Parish
1st June 2007

Prayer of the Day
Lord God, you have prepared for those who love you good things beyond our understanding. Pour into our hearts such love for you that we may love you in all things and above all things and obtain what you have promised (which is more than we can desire). We ask this through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Photo credit: 'The Leader' by Stefan Wagner, Nürnberg, Germany.